katarinacreates (![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} katarinacreates) wrote in ![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small} 20somethings,@ 2022-05-29 20:27:00 |
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| Entry tags: | c: etta russell, c: katarina handforth-graham, c: victoire weasley, d: 2028 05, ~ complete, Ω: rp |
RP: Shopping in Vintage London
Who: Katarina, Etta, Victoire
What: Vintage Shopping
When: Thurs 26th May
Where: Camden Markets, Muggle London
Warnings: None
Completion Status: Complete
After a few weeks where quiet moments during Etta’s shifts at the Collection had turned to talking clothes she had uttered the fateful words ‘I like the vintage aesthetic and it looks really cute on you but I’m not into the big skirts thing’. Katarina had had to explain about other styles of vintage clothes, both wiggle dresses from a similar era to her own choices, and some options from other eras too. Then they had got to talking about the upcoming charity gala and decided a shopping trip was in order.
As the resident expert Katarina had decided on bringing Etta to Camden. When she had first visited she had been with her teenage brother during summer holidays and she had been unimpressed at being dragged around all the goth and punk shops, but when she had discovered the vintage options she had been in heaven. She didn’t think they’d manage to find anything pre-20th century, but she might manage to find a new dress to wear on her next date with Mia. Not that she really needed one.
“I’m pretty sure Dad would kill me if I turned up to work in this black dress,” Etta said as she smoothed it over her hips. She turned side to side in the mirror and came out of the dressing room to show Katarina. “What do you think?” She did a little spin and looked down at her chest in indecision. “Not sure I have the curves for this style.” She did like the dress, but outside of funeral work she rarely wore black.
Katarina paused looking at the dress rack she’d parked her chair next to and looked over at Etta. “You might be right there. Maybe without the slit you might get away with it, but go try on something colourful! And the dress totally works, it makes the curves for you,” she added as Etta disappeared back into the changing room.
Victoire felt herself in a general malaise. Her birthday put her another year closer to thirty and she started to wonder if her year off would turn into a permanent retirement. Walking into one of her favorite stores in Camden she tried to push the thought from her mind.
“Katarina?” She’d noticed her impeccably snatched red hair anywhere. Victoire pulled the few clothes she found so far and made her way towards the dressing rooms.
The dress she had set across her lap nearly got caught in one wheel of her chair as she spun around at the sound of her name. “Oops,” she said, and swept it out of the way before smiling at the approaching Victoire.
“Hello, Victoire, it’s been a while,” she said. “Didn’t expect to see you here.” She spotted a fun pattern on the other side of the store behind Victoire and noted its location for a bit later. “How are you?” she asked. “Left out now Caleb’s trying dating again?”
Victoire pressed her lips together. “Shopping therapy.” She’d tried not to think about Caleb, he was spending most of his time with Teddy these days. Not that she was complaining. She loved her cousin and she loved Caleb and wished happiness for both of them. But it did leave her alone with her thoughts. “It’s probably nothing, but I’m deciding what my next move is.”
It was the first time time she admitted it to anyone. Shifting her choices from one arm to the other she spied an open dressing room to start trying them on.
Shopping therapy was definitely a thing Katarina understood. She couldn’t indulge in it too often, but she loved clothes and owning a shop full of beautiful things was more than a little dangerous. “Shopping is fun,” she agreed.
“Oh, that’s…,” Katarina trailed off, not knowing what to say. She was assuming she was correctly interpreting that Victoire wanted to move on from modelling. “I don’t know what to say. Is this your choice?” she asked.
Etta had been listening to the conversation from the fitting room, but didn’t know the voice, even if she had heard both Katarina and Caleb mentioning a Victoire, but she had never met the woman. Once she had managed to mostly zip up her second dress she opened the curtain once more and stuttered to a stop at the sight of Victoire Weasley about to duck into a changing room. She had never connected the name to the woman she had seen in any number of fashionable publications.
“Umm,” she said intelligently, her mouth flapping open and her eyes wide. She swivelled her head to Katarina and tried to silently convey with a stare that she needed to be part of this conversation as soon as she could find the words again.
“Is anything in fashion the model’s choice?” Victoire’s words came out jaded. There weren’t many models she knew that were over thirty and every year she got close to it she looked past the runway. What else could she possibly do?
“I’m going to try this on. Be right back out.” Victoire dipped into a free changing room and hung all three dressed up so she could see them. The two fit and flare dresses were always easy and for someone who was so straight up and down gave her the illusion that she had hips. The third champagne dress was giving her issues though. Classically pretty it didn’t quite pop like the other two.
“Maybe Katarina can help out.” She whispered. Slipping the dress of the hanger she slid it on her body she tried her best to zip it up in the back.
“Oh. Sorry, I should’ve introduced myself. I’m Victoire Weasley.” Victoire extended a hand to her, understanding not everyone was a hugger. “I’m not quite sure about this one, what do you think?” She twirled hoping that seeing it in motion would make her decision easier.
Etta’s wide eyes followed Victoire as she disappeared into the changing room, although she did manage to summon a little bit of a smile.
She hurried over to Katarina, thoroughly distracted from her dress. “I didn’t realise when you mentioned Caleb’s friend Victoire you meant Victoire Weasley,” she hissed. Unfortunately that only gained her a confused look. “Shit,” she added, remembering that Katarina probably wouldn’t be able to hear her, especially since she’d bent down to hiss in her ear rather than letting Katarina see her lips. She pointed viciously over her shoulder towards Victoire’s dressing room and raised her eyebrows again.
Katarina, long used to both Caleb’s fashion connections and his specific friendship with Victoire hadn’t thought much of her appearance. Plus most of the people he could have most impressed her by knowing in that world tended to be either extremely old if they were magical, or actually dead if they were muggle, thanks to her taste running towards vintage options.
Still, she had witnessed the squeak of surprise and incessant peppering of questions which Caleb had engendered when revealing his mother’s identity, so this reaction should probably have come as less of a shock. She seemed to be missing her own round of questioning due to its incompatibility with her wonky hearing if Etta’s excited vibration was anything to go by.
Just as she was about to request a repeat Victoire re-emerged and introduced herself. Katarina took the opportunity to zip up the rest of Etta’s dress since the back had been presented to her. Plus it had the added virtue of restraining her from flinging herself at Victoire. Not that she was usually careless like that, but it certainly seemed to be threatening right now.
Etta spun around at the sound of the curtain opening again and pulled out a happier version of her professional face until she could trust herself to act normally again. She nearly yanked her dress apart by stepping forwards to take Victoire’s hand, but realised at the last second that Katarina had spotted her predicament and decided to take action. “Thanks,” she said over her shoulder as the satisfying zipping sound stopped.
“Etta Russell,” she said, just about managing not to squeak or sound breathless. “I work at the Creative Collection, Katarina is trying to convince me that I can find vintage type dresses in my preferred style.” She added at a rush, suddenly remembering to step to the side so Katarina could be part of the conversation too.
“Oh! Then we’ve probably crossed paths. I know Caleb and Katarina from school, and he’s been helping me get back into sewing.” She looked at the green dress that Etta had on. It fit her well. “I love that neckline on you.” Victoire flashed a winning smile. “Katarina knows her vintage styles.”
Victoire took a second look at the dress she had on. She loved the material, but something about it didn’t just jump off the hanger or stand out in the mirror. “I think I might try for the next two. This one isn’t quite speaking to me.” Victoire pulled the zipper as she moved back into the dressing room.
Etta shook her head, she was sure she would have remembered this particular customer even if a lot of them did kind of blend together after a while. “I don’t think so,” she said. “But I’m only part time. It’s lovely to meet you, I, um, love your work.” she said a blush warming her cheeks under her makeup. She looked down and smiled, instinctively brushing along the folded over neckline. “Thanks. It reminds me of some of my regular non-vintage style clothes,” she said.
“Wait until you get into actual vintage,” Katarina said. “Although this looks gorgeous on you, you should totally consider getting it,” she said.
She looked over at Victoire and nodded. “I like that lace but I’m not sure if that’s trying to be sleeves or a cape and it doesn’t quite work for you,” she said after a moment of consideration.
“I should get trying on too,” she said, but then remembered the pattern she had seen when Victoire arrived. “But I think I saw one more thing
first. She had such a weakness for rainbow fabrics of most kinds and she hadn’t seen one in checks like that before. “Be right back,” she said, executing a quick turn and heading for the dress she had spotted.
“Thank you so much.” Victoire perked up at Etta’s complement. “You’re in good hands.” Victoire ensured Etta. Katarina’s love affair with vintage matched her own with high fashion and now she had a project. “You’re in good hands.” Victoire ensured Etta. “Maybe, I can introduce you to some of my contacts across the city. Get you a few fittings?” It wasn’t something she offered lightly, and if she hadn’t worked with almost everyone she may not have been able to make the offer anyway, but there were a few ateliers that she could think of that would acquiesce.
“I do say this one is more my speed.”
She twirled feeling the skirt catch the movement. The materials were light and it made her already pronounced blue eye pop. “This one has to be a yes!”
Etta chuckled and nodded. “I’ve seen what she considers everyday wear so I assume so, even if her choices absolutely wouldn’t be mine.” At the offer of what she could only assume would be super fashionable contacts she couldn’t help but stutter a bit at first. “Oh my, I’m really not sure I can afford that kind of thing,” she said, but she immediately followed it up. “But if you’re sure, and that my height and so on wouldn’t be a problem. Maybe I could get something exciting in not black,” she babbled excitedly. She loved fashion, loved looking at it, yearning after it and wandering into high end shops to touch it and come out without buying anything even from the sale racks.
She was a little overwhelmed and had to duck into the changing room to try on another dress, this time with a cheeky sloth pattern she had a feeling that Katarina would never choose. As she got it on she giggled at the pattern. “This is kind of silly but I like it,” she said as she came back out, the lack of zip making for an easier time of getting it on.
The returning Trina couldn’t help but laugh at the contrast the two other women made. One tall and covered in delicate flowers and full skirts, the other distinctly shorter a vision in pink sloth print and sleek lines. She was somewhat surprised Etta was in favour of the little flounce, since she had alway seemed to favour straightforward frill-free clothes that hugged her form to one degree or another, but Katarina couldn’t help but approve.
“I definitely like both of them,” she said. “Although, Victoire you could add a petticoat for a bigger effect. But that’s pretty perfect for your fun stuff, Etta,” she assessed easily. “Now I need to go and try to be a sailor among other things,” she said, carefully wheeling up to an empty cubicle and standing from her chair.
“This is the last one has one as part of the dress.” Victoire held the dress up at shoulder height. She liked the sleekness of the dress she had just tried on and the style flattered her lithe physique.
“Maybe I could get you to pick a couple out for me.” Victoire gave Etta a wink, letting her know that she wasn’t stepping in on her help. “You know more about petticoats than I ever will.” She draped the dress over her arm and headed toward the dressing room.
“Oh! Etta, did Katarina tell you about the Lords and Ladies Ball?” Victoire wasn’t quite sure whether she would attend. Charity social events could be a fun way to meet new people or rub elbows with some of the more distinguished families in the community.
“Oh I like that,” Katarina said looking back at the dress Victoire was holding up. “It’ll come up higher on you than it would on me, but I think that fits you better.” She stepped in and shut the curtain behind her. “I know far too much about petticoats, and they’d look darling on you but I’m not sure how they fit your usual style. Maybe one of the more colourful ones might look better rather than my usual white and pastel options.” She began changing, avoiding the need for magical assistance by taking extra time.
Etta grinned. “I know about it from Dad and my stepmum too,” she said. “But yeah, I’ve been to that sort of thing before. And honestly an excuse to drop some time in fancy clothes that aren’t black and dance my heart out for a good cause is excellent in my book.” The reduced amount of available references for people with her hair texture was annoying, but it meant she could play around more.
“My er, family run a funeral home and I work there too,” she confided quietly, well aware of how sensitive a topic it could be for many people. “Hence the avoiding black outside of that work.” She slipped back into the changing room, not sure she wanted to try on more options in this space. It meant she changed back into her street clothes and went to prop up a wall still holding the green dress. She really wanted to buy it. Not in the slightest bit useful for the ball, but she liked how it looked.
“You convinced me, Trina,” she called out. “Some vintage shapes work for me without being a ball of fluff.”
“Told you so,” came the ready reply. Katarina stuck her head around the curtain and smiled brightly at the dress Etta was still clutching. “That looked good on you. We’re going to have to hire costumes or get things made especially if we want pre 20th century though. But apparently regency gowns do wonders for everyone’s chest.”
Victoire wondered who was Etta's family. She hadn’t heard a last name, had she? “I can understand the need for variety.” She replied, unphased by her family’s work. “Katarina can tell you, my mother started me with every shade of pastel you can think of. I don’t blame her, it worked brilliantly for her. I still love them, but I love bolder patterns and colors.”
She hadn’t decided yet whether she would attend the ball, regency gowns didn’t quite help her silhouette any, but maybe she could find something that would make a splash at the event.
Etta, who had become a big fan of bolder colours herself baulked at the idea of being stuck purely in pastels. “I like a pastel, but variety is absolutely the spice of life,” she said. “Well, that and garlic,” she added with a giggle. She knew it wasn’t a spice but it could definitely add punch to food if you added enough. And other spices tended to fight for the status as her favourite but she eternally loved garlic. And was eternally glad she wasn’t one of the people who radiated it after eating.
“And I am not as blessed as you, I wouldn’t say no to some pushing my boobs to their utmost. Is regency the only option? You know I prefer something pretty streamlined instead of big and fluffy.” History was distinctly not her best topic, and even her history of fashion only tended to stretch back reliably for a few decades. What spotty knowledge she had otherwise didn’t give her much hope for a costume in line with her preferences. She could put up with it for a night, of course, but she would like it if there were options.
As Katarina emerged in her sailor-themed dress and wrinkled her face in indecision. “Okay this is adorable, but maybe a bit too adorable and cutesy for a date unless we’re literally going on a boat. And since she’s just coming to my place it feels wrong,” she said. She still did a spin to test the effectiveness of the move in a space bigger than the changing room.
“Don’t let Victoire tell you she can’t make things work. There are very few examples of clothes I’ve seen her try on that she couldn’t at least look good even if they weren’t quite right.” She said to Etta. “I know all the professional help and practice is doing a lot of the heavy lifting, but high fashion designers also often design for tall and lean rather than the wealth of different shapes humans come in.”
“Also I think the last time pre Regency when European fashion was relatively sleek is around the Medieval period which is tight through maybe the hips and skirt with more room and tight sleeves with maybe dangly bits. I got stuck on Regency I’ll be honest.”
“It’s a little too on the nose, even for you.” Victoire gave a conspiratorial giggle. Going through school meant they had helped each other develop quite the thick skin. And if they managed to throw jests at each other then that was just part of their friendship.
“You’ve got a date?” She wasn’t quite sure whether she heard Trina correctly. “That’s so good!” Victoire loved hearing that her friends were getting out there and succeeding at finding people. She took a more tempered approach looking around at what could possibly be a bit more appropriate for an easy date at Trina’s place. “Maybe something a bit more subdued? Still your fabulous statement pieces but better for a more intimate setting.
“Oh sue me for enjoying a theme!” Katarina replied, rolling her eyes. Her voice definitely showed her amusement.
“Oh, yes this will be my fourth date Mia, I think.” She paused and thought for a few seconds, running through the dates. The initial one had been in the park, and then there had been a simple meet and chat, and then they had explored a city farm together which had been particularly adorable. So far they hadn’t run out of things to talk about or found any major areas where they argued or had clashing principles.
“You know I think that is one of the subtlest dresses I’ve ever seen her wearing,” Etta said. “It’s navy and hasn’t got any bright patterns. But Victoire is right, the sailor thing is too much. Maybe something in a nice soft fabric?”
“Yes, yes,” Katarina called as she wriggled herself out of the dress. “I’m guessing the rainbow gingham and pink citrus pattern are out then?” she joked. There were both probably a bit much if she wanted to be truly casual, but she overdressed for basically every occasion and was used to the weird looks. And Mia hadn’t baulked during their first date so she was fairly sure she didn’t mind in the slightest. “Better overdressed than under though,” she said. “And I’m still trying them on.”
“I think I’m getting this dress and waiting for the actual vintage shops to try on anything else,” Etta said decisively as she changed back into her original top and jeans combo.
She was ready to claim a spot of wall to scroll some social media while she waited to comment on any other looks that appeared.
“It’s a good idea.” She said as Etta moved away from the dressing rooms. The pickings were a bit slim for the vintage looks that usually caught Victoire’s eyes and if they had several other shops to go to then Victoire would need to be incredibly discerning to make sure she didn’t overwhelm her already formal dresses. She wanted statement pieces.
She turned back towards the two dresses that Trina was holding up. Both bold patterns, one of her staples. “The rainbow gingham is definitely an option.” Victoire mused looking around at the shop. She still didn’t quite know who Katarina was having over for dinner so it made it more difficult. If they were more reserved, Victoire could see a that would complement her perfectly.
“What about this one?” Victoire held the dress up so she could see it.
Katarina sighed as she emerged from the changing room. “You know I think I like the colours of the grapefruit one more than the pattern. I prefer a floral if I’m going for that sort of busy pattern,” she said.
She looked at the dress Victoire was holding and sighed again. “You’re really probably right, but,” she said, drawing the word out as she reached out and felt the fabric between her fingers thoughtfully. “I may have a very similar dress already. Less fun fabric, but I should probably not buy something I nearly already have in the wardrobe. Probably a good shout for my date though. Or I have a blue strappy dress that I could put a white blouse under.” She reluctantly put the dresses she’d tried onto the reject rack and sat back into her wheelchair. “I’m saving my money for things I absolutely can’t live without,” she said. “I wouldn’t say no to some real vintage accessories again. Either for me or some projects.”
It would be easier to list the dresses Trina didn’t own. “I suppose.” Victoire hung the pink dress back on the rack. “I think the blue.” Victoire offered. She wouldn’t know if Trina would take the advice. The pink might be too much with her fiery red hair, but if she was one thing it was bold.
Victoire took one last look around the shop just in case anything caught her eye. There was a good chance there was some hidden gem she might have missed but she agreed with Trina. There were plenty of shops left to rifle through and what Victoire was looking for needed to be statement pieces. “
I think I’ll get this on at least.” She draped the black and white fit and flare over her arm and headed towards the register.